Robert Vander Ley

Robert “Bob” Vander Ley, age 83, of Jenison, peacefully entered the presence of his Lord on Monday, July 28, 2025. Bob was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. A gifted artist, he had a deep love for watercolor painting, portraiture, and caricature. He proudly served as a chef in the Army Reserve and was a natural-born inventor—always seeking to improve whatever he set his eyes on. Bob was generous, content, and resilient, facing 17 years of health challenges with remarkable strength and grace. An entrepreneur in the tool and die industry, he also found joy in traveling with his beloved wife and singing in the church choir. Music was a treasured part of his life, but above all, his faith in Christ was his foundation and guiding light. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Esther (Vermeer) Vander Ley; brother, George Vander Ley; sister, Francis and Dave Hoekzema;  parents-in-law, Richard and Ruth Kladder. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Linda Vander Ley; daughters, Laura and Steve Besser, Julie and Dan Molenbeek; grandchildren, Dylan Vander Ley, Natalie and Megan Molenbeek, Andrew and Kendra Besser, Nicolas Besser and girlfriend, Jessica Bross; great-grandchildren, Ava Besser, River Besser, Parker Besser, Hadley Besser; sister-in-law, Mary and John Hoeksema; brother-in-law, John and Chelli Kladder; nieces and nephews, Kara Vander Ley, Lindsey and John Wiley, Christine Hoekzema, Elizabeth and Mark VanderBoom, Andrea Hoekzema, Tina and Dan Schrenk, Katelyn and Skyler Eriks, Nolan Kladder. A private burial service for family and close friends will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 4, at Woodlawn Cemetery. A funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, 107 LaGrave Ave SE, Grand Rapids with Pastor Chad Boorsma officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family from 6-6:45 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Faith Hospice.